Minnesota Department of Transportation Announces Outreach Initiative for Veteran Owned Businesses
MnDOT announces outreach initiative for veteran-owned businesses and Veteran Contracting Workshops
ST. PAUL, Minn. –– The Minnesota Department of Transportation today announced a new initiative to significantly increase the number of veteran-owned firms who can bid on MnDOT projects. The Veterans Outreach Initiative will identify veteran-owned businesses and assist them in the state certification process.
The number of veteran-owned firms in Minnesota who are eligible to bid on MnDOT projects has decreased to approximately 30 in early 2012. This is about half the number of certified veteran-owned businesses in previous years.
“In a time when so many veterans are looking for work, MnDOT is stepping up to bridge the gap,” said Alex Tittle, deputy director of MnDOT’s Office of Civil Rights. “We want to see numbers closer to 100 certified veteran-owned businesses.”
The Veteran’s Administration says 51 percent or more of a business must be actively owned by a veteran in order to be an eligible veteran-owned business.
Duff Consulting, a veteran-owned business, will conduct the Veterans Outreach Initiative.
Veteran-owned businesses interested in participating should contact Alex Tittle at alex.tittle@state.mn.us or 651-366-3333 and visit www.mndot.gov/civilrights/veterans.html.
Veteran Contracting Workshops
You’re invited to our upcoming veteran contracting workshops.
These four free workshops will provide you with information on how to verify your company as a veteran-owned business as well as an overview of opportunities with MnDOT and other government agencies in Minnesota. They will be held at the Hiway Federal Credit Union. Details and registration.
Monday, July 23, 2012 Registration 8:30 a.m. Workshop 9 a.m. to noon
Monday, July 23, 2012 Registration 12:30 p.m. Workshop 1 to 4 p.m.
Friday, July 27, 2012 Registration 8:30 a.m. Workshop 9 a.m. to noon
Friday, July 27, 2012 Registration 12:30 p.m. Workshop 1 to 4 p.m.
More about veteran-owned small businesses:
Veteran-owned small businesses are eligible for a 6% preference in the award of MnDOT state-funded projects in accordance with MN Statute 197-447. In addition, MnDOT establishes goals on every state-funded project for prime contractors to sub-contract certain amounts to veteran-owned small businesses. These sub-contracting goals vary depending on the size and location of the project, as well as the identified capacity and expertise available within the veteran community. All veteran-owned small businesses that have been verified by the Veterans Administration are eligible. Businesses that are not verified will not be eligible to participate under the state veteran preference program. Legislation for federally-funded and county-funded -projects follow a different set of rules that change frequently. Read a one page guide to the process.
Veteran and Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Businesses
Guide to Verification Process
Before you begin the verification process, please make sure:
- Your company is set up correctly – to qualify in terms of ownership, supervision (51% or more Veteran owned), highest paid employee is the veteran owner, carry the title of president (corps.) etc. (see qualifications on www.vetbiz.com)
- You have registered and logged in to iUpdate for Dun and Bradstreet (you may already have a DUNS number, but you MUST be registered in iUpdate) Make sure all information in your account with iUpdate is current or if you are applying for a DUNS for the first time, make sure you are accurately registered. Pay attention to the spelling, punctuation and address used so you can correctly register in CCR.
- You are currently register in CCR and your registration is active
- Complete the DSBS Profile – available after completion of CCR
- Complete updated ORCA registration is active
Proceed to www.vetbiz.gov
- Login and create your account in CVE. (Center for Veteran Enterprise)
- Download VA 0877 document and all instructions for verification process
- Read and understand the directions for the process
- Download all documents that must be read, completed and then uploaded (make sure you select the documents for your particular entity – corporation, sole prop., etc.)
- Gather all documents listed on the checklist that must be uploaded (this will take several days to pull together) Make sure you have your DD214 and a VA letter stating disability/percentage
- Upload the documents and submit for review
- Watch all emails daily, you will have a time limit in which to respond to questions or supply more information as asked. If you fail to respond in a timely manner, your review will end and you will have to resubmit at a later time, or be moved to the end of the line for review
While you are in the review process:
- You should prepare for a possible onsite visit by downloading the checklist of documents that will be reviewed
- If there will be a review, make sure you are ready and have all required documents handy
- You will be notified via email letter if there will be a review (sample can be found in downloads on the CVE website)
IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, PLEASE CONTACT A PTAC PERSON It is easier to assist you before you submit than help after you have been denied.
Visit www.mnptac.org and click on “Request Assistance” or call Mark Cooper at 1-612-259-6578 or email Mark at mcooper@mnptac.org
